MX2012009146A - Beverage dispensing device having audio and video feedback. - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and methods for dispensing beverages are provided. Aspects relate to providing audio and possibly visual feedback to users during the dispensing of a selected beverage. Audio and video files are stored electronically within the dispenser. In response to the selection of a beverage, audio and video files corresponding to the beverage are selected and presented to a user during the dispensing of the beverage. The sound file may correspond to the type of beverage being dispensed and the video may show a fill sate of a beverage container.

Description

DISTRIBUTION DEVICE OF BEVERAGE THAT HAS REALIZE ATION OF AUDIO AND VIDEO BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Often, in restaurants or other places such as a consumer's residence, a drink can be created at the request of a mixture of ingredients. An advantage of distributing the beverage in this way is that the concentrate containers and the water supply typically occupy significantly less space than would otherwise be required to store the same volume of beverage in individual containers. In addition, this distribution equipment also eliminates the increased waste formed by empty individual containers.

A typical beverage dispenser may include a pump for forcing an ingredient, such as a concentrate, to the head. The distributor can include valves that can try to measure volumetrically and then distribute certain ingredients. For example, a valve can be selectively opened in response to a consumer requesting a beverage to allow simultaneous discharge of the concentrate and water. The two liquids are mixed in the discharge and in the container to form the desired beverage. In addition, some beverages are formed from base components, which can be very different from the components that form other beverages. Often, these beverages can not be distributed accurately and efficiently from a given distributor to problems with measuring and distributing ingredients with different properties.

Similarly, in certain implementations, different beverages are formed from concentrates that are slightly different from each other. For example, consumers are often interested in enjoying beverages that, in addition to a base flavor, include a complementary flavor, such as cherry or lemon-lime. However, consumers are increasingly interested in adjusting one or more ingredients in their drinks, such as the amount of sugars, often in the form of high fructose corn syrup. Improved systems and methods in relation to the distribution of beverages may be desirable.

Aspects of this disclosure relate to novel methods for distributing a composition, such as a beverage. In certain embodiments, one or more novel methods may be conducted with a computer readable medium having computer executable instructions that may be executed by a processor to perform the methods. In one embodiment, a distributor includes a touch screen that allows the user to enter beverage selections. One or more memory devices store audio and video files related to different beverage selections. While a drink is distributed, a sound file can be played. For example, a bubbling sound may be reproduced while the carbonated beverage is dispensed. At the same time or alternatively, a video can be played on the touch screen display showing the filling status of a beverage container.

Of course, methods and systems of various modalities may include other additional elements, steps, computer executable instructions, computer-readable data, structures or components of the computer system. In this regard, other modalities are described and also claimed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURE 1 is an exploded view and schematic diagram of an exemplary dispensing system and dispensing head according to an embodiment of this invention; FIGURE 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a distribution system according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary method according to one embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary method according to one embodiment of the invention; Y FIGURE 5 shows a computer device that can be used to control the operation of a beverage dispenser, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGURE 1 illustrates an exemplary dispensing system 102 that can be configured to distribute a beverage comprising a plurality of ingredients. While the exemplary dispensing system 102 will be described in the context of dispensing a beverage, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other compositions, such as medications, lotions, supplements, condiments, may be distributed in accordance with the techniques of this disclosure. Looking at FIGURE 1, the exemplary dispensing system 102 includes a dispensing head 104, and a base 106 located in the opposite direction, to which the dispensing head 104 can be removably mounted. The containers 110a and 110b may store ingredients configured to be distributed from the dispensing system 102, such as flavored concentrates that may be in different forms, such as liquids (including syrups) or powders. The pumps 114a and 114b can be connected to the container 110a and 110b, respectively. The pumps 114a and 114b allow the movement of the associated ingredient through the base 106 and in the dispensing head 104. A portion of the ingredients may comprise water (for example, see elements 112a and 112b). In one embodiment, a water source can supply a stream of non-carbonated water. The second source may include a carbonator (not shown) that supplies carbon dioxide to the water stream that supplies through the base 106 in the distribution head 104. In another embodiment, a water source may substantially lack carbonation. In yet another embodiment, a plurality of water sources can be configured to provide different levels of carbonated water.

The pipe 108 through which four illustrated fluid streams flow in the base 106 may terminate in the mounting block 116. As seen in FIGURE 1, the mounting block 116 can be removably mounted to the dispensing head 104. In the illustrative embodiments, the mounting block 116 may have a front face 117 comprising passages 118 to one or more containers for one or more ingredients of such concentrate 110a / 110b and / or water 112a / 112b. The passageways 118 can be formed integrally with and extend from the front face 116 of the block. The front face 116 and / or another portion of the mounting block 116 may further comprise a locking mechanism for aligning and securing proper fit between the passageways 118 and the distribution head 104.

The illustrated distribution head 104 includes a vertical back plate 118 from which a base plate 120 extends horizontally. The rear plate 118 can be removably coupled to the mounting block 116 of the distribution unit and a valve body 32 can be seated in the base plate 120. A nozzle assembly 122 is shown to extend below the base plate 120. The valve body 32 may comprise a plurality of conduits through which the ingredients flow in the nozzle assembly 122. One or more valve units may be mounted to the valve body 32. For example, the valve units 134 and / or 136 can regulate the flow of a separate unit of the fluid streams through the distribution head 104 and out of the nozzle assembly 122.

The distribution system 102 may comprise one or more computer readable media, such as a circuit board 129. Circuit board 129 is shown mounted on base plate 120 and may comprise electronic components (not shown) that are used to regulate the activation of pumps 114a and 114b and / or valve units 134, 136. The circuit board may also comprise computer-readable instructions that when executed by a processor, such as the processor (such as a processor 206, described in more detail below in relation to FIGURE 2) to provide energization signals to the valve units 134, 136, control signals to the pumps 114a and 114b, and / or feedback signals from the distribution head 104 to the distribution system 102.

Historically, the electronic circuitry (or other component comprising a computer-readable medium, comprised of "flavor chips." The flavor chip is comprised of computer-executable instructions, which when executed by a processor, can execute a method for mixing a preferred beverage Unfortunately, the last flavor chip technology had to adapt to the mechanical properties of each dispenser and each flavored beverage required a separate flavor chip.Thus, in certain systems of the prior art, changing beverages to be distributed from a distributor might require new flavors to be "mapped" onto the chip For example, each parameter had to be adjusted to ensure that the distributed beverage is received in the intended proportions of ingredient. refer to the systems and methods to distribute personalized drinks that do not require the inconvenience of mape or in different flavor chips for each possible combination of the various ingredients.

While FIGURE 1 shows an exemplary distribution system 102, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other systems that are configured or capable of being modified to distribute a multi-ingredient beverage according to one or more teachings of this disclosure are finds within the scope of the invention. Additional exemplary systems, including exemplary heads and / or nozzles that can be combined selectively are described in Assignee's US Patent Application No. 10/412, 681, DRINKING FORMATION AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM, filed April 14. of 2003, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0084475 Al, published May 6, 2004, and / or U.S. Patent Application No. 11/118, 535, DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OF DRINK WITH A HEAD CAPABLE OF DISTRIBUTION DIFFERENT PLURAL BEVERAGES, filed April 29, 2005, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0097009, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for any and all purposes.

FIGURE 2 shows an exemplary distribution system 202 that can be configured for use without the prior art flavor chips for distributing personalized beverages. The distribution system 202 can be configured to implement novel methods, such as the methods shown in the flow diagram of FIGURE 3. In this regard, certain novel features of the distribution system 202 will be described in relation to the methods of FIGURE 3, however, the novel apparatus shown in FIGURE 2 is not limited to those methods only, but is provided only to demonstrate uses. copies of the distribution system 202. As seen in FIGURE 2, the distribution system 202 comprises an electronic circuitry 129, which may be an identical or similar electronic circuitry 129 shown in FIGURE 1. The electronic circuitry 129 comprises a computer readable medium 204 which it may be magnetic, digital, optical, or any configurable format for understanding executable computer instructions that may be executed by a processor, such as processor 206.

The processor 206 may be configured to execute instructions on the computer readable medium, such as the computer readable medium 204, received from a user input device 208, a toggle switch 210 and / or a network connection 212. The user input device 208 may include any of the components or groups of components (including a lever switch 210 similar or identical to switch) that allows the user to provide an input to the distribution system 202, which may be mechanical, electronic, or electromechanical. The novel uses of the user input device 208 may be implemented in accordance with one or more of the novel methods described herein. As an example, user input device 208 may be used in conjunction with step 302 shown in Figure 3. In step 302, the instructions may be received to distribute a beverage. In one embodiment, the user input device 208 may allow the user to instruct the distribution system 202 to distribute a specific beverage formula. In one embodiment, the user input device 208 may comprise a touch screen that is in operative communication with the electronic circuitry 129. The touch screen can be configured to display a plurality of beverage classes. For example, in one modality, classes may include, but are not limited to: cola, diet cola, energizing beverages, water, fruit juices and combinations of any of these groups. In certain modalities, a user may be able to choose a drink class from a class group. In various embodiments, the deployment of a possible beverage for selection can be adjusted based on the levels or presence of specific ingredients detected in the distribution system 202.

The touch screen can be configured to allow the user the first selection of a specific brand of beverage, such as a particular energy drink from a plurality of energy drinks. Still, the touch screen may allow the user to select a specific commercially available beverage and further refine the ingredients to be distributed to form a similar beverage. In one embodiment, the refined beverage has the same ingredients, however, it comprises different proportions or amounts of the ingredients. For example, a user can first select the "Pepsi" cola beverage, and then want to adjust one or more parameters of the Pepsi to be distributed. For example, the user may wish to adjust the sugar and / or carbonation content of the beverage to be distributed. In another embodiment, the refined beverage has at least one different ingredient, for example; at least a portion of the high fructose corn syrup can be replaced with several levels of one or more ingredients.

While the exemplary embodiment is described in relation to the touch screen, other input devices can be used in combination with or instead of a touch screen. For example, a user can slide a card having electronic information, a sensor, such as, for example, an optical, magnetic, or RFID sensor to provide a user input. In another embodiment, the user can use a biometric input to provide an entry. However, in other modes, the user can enter alphanumeric entries using a keyboard. The lever switch 210 can also be operatively connected to the electronic circuitry 129 to provide an input indicating that a receptacle was placed under the nozzle 122.

The network connection 212 can also provide one or more user inputs (as well as transmit outgoing signals) that couple the distribution system 202 to a communication network, such as a LAN or the Internet. The distribution system 202 (and other devices) can be connected to a communication network by twisted pair wires, coaxial cable, optical fibers or other means. Alternatively, radio waves can be used to connect one or more beverage distributor systems to the communication network. In one embodiment, one or more distribution systems may be in communication with each other and easily transmit and receive information in relation to other distributor systems, which include a single formula distributed to a particular user. In one embodiment, a plurality of distribution systems can be coupled together via a central server. However, in another modality, the distribution systems can communicate directly with each other. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the electronic circuitry 129 may include computer executable instructions for transmitting information to other distributors and / or servers.

Step 304 of Figure 3 can be implemented to distribute a first ingredient in a conduit of distribution system 202. Observing the exemplary dispensing system 202 in FIGURE 2, a first conduit, such as the conduit 214 may also be connected (eg, through a series of valves and / or through the pipe 108) to an ingredient source of beverage (such as, for example, concentrate (s) 110a / 110b). During the preparation of the beverage and distribution, one or more ingredients, such as water 112a / 112b and / or concentrates 110a / 110b can pass through the first conduit 214. The conduit 214 is exemplary only, as the sources of additional ingredients or smaller can be found upstream or downstream of conduit 214. In addition, dispensing system 202 may comprise a plurality of conduits, such as a second conduit 216. Second conduit 216 may be in connection with one or more sources of ingredients, such as water 112a / 112b and / or concentrates 110a / 110b. In the distribution and illustrative system 202, the first conduit 214 and the second conduit 216 diverge in the nozzle 122, where the ingredients can be mixed and distributed from the distribution system 202.

Referring to the nozzle 122, the illustrated dispensing system 202 of this invention may include the single dispensing head 104 (shown in FIGURES 1 and 2) with a plurality of passages, such as the conduits 214, 216 (shown in FIG. FIGURE 2) through which the concentrated ingredients can flow. The valve units 124, 126 and 128 can operate independently of each other and be controlled independently. Thus, the described systems 102, 202 can be constructed such that a single dispensing head 104 can be used to dispense mixed beverages from any two or more different ingredients (such as concentrates) to a single nozzle 122. In certain embodiments, this may eliminate the need to provide system 102 with multiple distribution heads where each head is used to distribute a simple beverage. Other embodiments, however, can implement a plurality of heads and / or nozzles. Regardless of the number of nozzles used, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the valves 124 and 126 can be opened simultaneously to discharge a beverage that is a desirable mixed combination of two or more concentrates or other ingredients.

The dispensing head 104 may further be designed so that the passage of one or more ingredients comprising carbonated water that is discharged has a tapered increase in a cross-sectional area along its length, as measured from the top to the top. the bottom. That is, a conduit or passage within the distribution system can be narrow at the high pressure end and widens considerably, up to ten times its width at a low pressure end. Accordingly, as the water and the gas fluid stream flows through the tapered passage, the pressure of the gas pumps in the stream may decrease steadily but gradually. This gradual decrease in pressure is reduced to the extent that carbon dioxide, with the discharge of an outlet, leaves the fluid stream. The reduction of the carbonation break serves to ensure that the mixed beverage has sufficient gaseous carbon dioxide state to impart a desirable flavor.

The conduits 214, 216 may comprise a plurality of sensors for measuring one or more parameters of one or more ingredients traveling through the respective conduit 214, 216 to the nozzle 122. The measured parameters of the first ingredient may be used to adjust the amount or parameter of a second ingredient to be distributed. However, in other embodiments, the measured parameters of this first ingredient can be used to distribute the amount of that ingredient that is distributed. In certain embodiments, various parameters may be measured within conduit 214 and / or conduit 216. In one embodiment, steps 306, 308, and / or 310 may be implemented to measure temperature, viscosity, pH, flow rate, and / or pressure of a first ingredient in the first conduit. In one embodiment, step 306 may comprise the implementation of temperature sensor 218 (shown in conduit 214), step 308 may include measurements with flow rate sensor 220 (shown in conduit 216) and step 310 may comprising meter measurements 222 PSI (shown in conduit 214). While the sensors are shown in two different conduits (214, 216), those skilled in the art will appreciate that both (and additional) conduits may have each of the sensors described therein, as well as additional sensors.

Step 312 can also be implemented to determine if the ingredient (or one of the ingredients) is not a Newtonian fluid. This determination may be based on one or more measurements of steps 308-310 and / or be based on information known in relation to the ingredient. For example, the electronic signal can be transmitted from the electronic circuitry 129 which is indicative that the ingredient (s) in at least one conduit 214, 216 is or is not Newtonian. If in step 312, it is determined that the ingredient is non-Newtonian, step 314 may be implemented. In step 314, one or more sensors can detect or otherwise measure the shear stress and / or deformation rate of the ingredient (s). In one embodiment, a first sensor in a first conduit 214 can be used to detect the flow velocity of a first fluid; however, a second sensor in the same first conduit 214 may be used to detect the flow velocity of a second fluid.

In these embodiments, where the ingredients are not Newtonian, the shear can use sensors to first measure the gradient of, for example, by using a first sensor to measure the gradient of the velocity profile in the walls of the conduit 214, 216. computer executable instructions in the computer readable medium 204 can use a processor 206 to multiply the signal of the first sensor by dynamic viscosity to provide the shear stress of that particular ingredient or combination of ingredients. In one embodiment, one or more micro-pillar shear sensors may be used in or conduits 214, 216. The micro-pillar structures may be configured to flex in response to pulling forces in close proximity to the outer perimeter of the or ducts 214, 216 (i.e., the walls). The bending can be detected electronically, mechanically, or optically. The result of the bending can be received as an electronic signal by computer executable instructions on a computer readable medium 204. The processor 206 may use the received electronic signal to determine the wall shear stress. As discussed in the foregoing, one or more of the conduits 214, 216 may comprise a temperature sensor 218, which may transmit electronic signals as an input to the electronic circuitry 129. The input of temperature sensor 218 may also be used in conjunction with one or more sensors to determine the viscosity of a compositional ingredient comprising a plurality of ingredients.

Additional aspects of the invention relate to novel uses of adjustable orifices. For example, in certain modalities, rather than implementing volumetric measurement, the distribution of ingredients is then performed, adjustable orifices can be used to measure and distribute the ingredients simultaneously. For example, as an ingredient (or compositions having a plurality of ingredients) flows through a conduit, the flow meter 220 and the temperature meter 218 can determine the viscosity of the ingredient. Based on the parameters detected by the measurement 18 and 220, the information can be received from the electronic circuitry 129 adjusting, rather than opening or closing only, one orifice (see, for example, elements 126 and 224 within the conduit 214 within the conduit 214, 216). In certain modalities, this may result in a homogenous combination of the ingredients. In other embodiments, it may result in less wear on the distribution device 202. In still other modalities, they can result in more efficient measurements of ingredients. Obtaining accurate measurements of the ingredients can be of particular importance, for example, when dealing with micro-nutrients, such as nutrients that comprise less than about 5% of the entire beverage or composition. In certain embodiments, a first ingredient may be distributed from the distribution system 202 or approximately 6% of the final beverage.

In one embodiment, the flow velocity of at least one ingredient can be adjusted by the same mechanism that measures the flow velocity. For example, the exemplary flow rate sensor 220 (shown in the conduit 216 of Figure 2) may comprise a turbine or a vane meter that is configured to measure the flow velocity of an ingredient within the conduit 216 (this measurement it may be carried out in cooperation with the information received from one or more other sensors within the distribution device 202). Based on the determination of the flow rate, the electronic circuitry 129 can transmit a signal that causes a drag placed on at least a portion of the sensor 220 (such as a turbine or a blade portion) thus acting as a restrictive orifice, so that the amount of ingredient that is distributed through the conduit over a predetermined period of time is reduced. Likewise, the electronic circuitry 129 can transmit a signal that causes less drag placed on at least a portion of the sensor 220, (i.e., at least one turbine or blade), thus acting to increase the amount of ingredient that is distributed through the conduit over a predetermined period of time that is reduced. This may occur during or before step 316, in which it is determined whether the additional ingredients will be distributed. In additional embodiments, one or more parameters of any ingredient that is distributed can be adjusted based on information received from one or more sensors (such as sensors 218 and 220). For example, the carbonation levels of the ingredient can be altered to adjust the viscosity of the ingredient that is distributed.

Furthermore, in the preparation of certain compositions for distribution, it may be undesirable to distribute a first ingredient under the same pressure as a second ingredient (eg, when a second ingredient is distributed in step 318). In some cases, it may be desirable to reduce the pressure under which a first ingredient is distributed, in still other modalities; it may be desirable to increase the pressure of an ingredient that is distributed, for example, to ensure adequate mixing or the intended profile of the beverage. In certain embodiments, the adjustable holes may be implemented to ensure that the optimum flow rate is implemented for certain ingredients. For example, computer-readable instructions can be used to achieve the optimum combination of pressure and flow velocity of an ingredient passing through a conduit 214, 216, such as by using an adjustable orifice. A simplified graphic illustration is shown as element 226. As noted by element 226, adjusting an input, such as through a stage motor (eg "35o", "55o", or "75o") can used to obtain a preferred combination of flow rate and pressure. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that element 26 is illustrative only and that other implementations, including the use of more than three adjustable configurations, are within the scope of this description.

In step 320, the information in relation to the distributed beverage or composition can be stored in the computer-readable medium, such as a computer readable medium 204. The computer readable medium of step 320, however, is not required to be within or local of the distribution system 202. Instead, the information in relation to the distributed beverage can be transmitted through a network connection 212 to a remote computer readable medium. In one embodiment, the only composition distributed through the implementation of one or more methods shown in FIGURE 3 can be received in a second distribution system, which can substantially distribute the same beverage or composition.

FIGURE 4 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method according to one embodiment of the invention. In step 402, it can be determined whether a customized beverage comprises a carbonated ingredient, such as carbonated water. In one embodiment, steps 404 and 406 can be performed to select a carbonation source (step 404) and adjust the carbonation of the selected source (step 406). For example, in step 404, it can be determined that the requested beverage contained carbonated water, however, the user requested that the beverage comprise less high fructose corn syrup, therefore the carbonation levels of the beverage can be reduced. The commonly assigned pending US Patent Applications having the proxy file number 006943.02935 and 0066943.02936 which are described herein for reference in their entirety, describe systems and methods related to the creation and distribution of novel beverage compositions. In one embodiment, the carbonation level (or any gas) of a second ingredient is adjusted based on the electronic signals received from one or more signals in relation to the measurements of the sensors that measure the parameters of a first ingredient. Such parameters may be the flow rate, viscosity, pH, pressure, carbonation level, level of constituents, such as sugar, water, dye, etc. and / or any combination of these or other parameters that are related to the first ingredient.

In certain embodiments, the carbonation source selected at 404 may be one of the plurality of sources. For example, different sources can comprise different levels of carbonation; therefore, a source comprising the closest amount of carbonation needs to be selected before adjustment. In certain embodiments, the distribution system 102, 202 can selectively discharge streams of carbonized and uncharged water from separate containers, e.g., containers 112a-112b. Therefore, in certain implementations, the dispensing head 104 can be used to distribute the selectively made beverages of either charred or non-charred water. Alternatively, the dispensing head 104 can be used to distribute a beverage comprising carbonated water and non-carbonated water. In one embodiment, the adjustable holes are opened simultaneously to cause the simultaneous distribution of the carbonated and non-carbonated water. This is useful when you want to mix these two liquids with a concentrate to produce a slightly carbonated drink. In one embodiment, by varying the amount of time each hole opens at one or more predetermined diameters, the degree to which water is supplied so that water can be established anywhere between fully carbonated (100% carbonated water supply) a without carbonation (100% non-carbonated water supply).

In still other embodiments, step 410 can be used to create a source of carbonation. In one embodiment, a first conduit such as conduit 214 may comprise water and conduit 216 may comprise carbon dioxide gas. Thus, based on the sensors 218, 220, 222, and / or other sensors within the conduits 214, 216 or anywhere within the distribution system 202, the amount of water that is combined with the dioxide gas carbon is determined and distributed, such as through an adjustable orifice. Regardless of whether steps 404 and 406 or step 410 are implemented, step 408 may be started. In one embodiment, the resulting carbonated ingredient can be distributed in a conduit, such as conduits 214 and / or 216. (see, for example, step 304 of FIGURE 3).

It should also be appreciated that there are no modalities that have all the features described in the foregoing and / or include each stage and / or process of the described methods.

For example, certain embodiments may be provided with different amounts of fluid passages and valve units that have been described in the above in relation to the illustrated embodiments. It is anticipated that these alternative embodiments of the invention may be used to provide a means for forming a beverage from a combination of a plurality of ingredients, which may be discharged from any of a plurality of nozzles or, alternatively, a simple nozzle. In addition, one or more nozzles can be configured to provide a discharge passage that extends vertically downward. Still, in other embodiments, one or more discharge passages for ingredients may have a spiral or helical configuration. While the exemplary distribution system 102 shown in FIGURE 1 can be used in a commercial setting, for example, a restaurant, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the techniques of the description can be applied to any distribution system, such as being implemented. in a bar gun technology and / or residential use. In addition, embodiments within the scope of this description can be used with frozen beverages and / or non-carbonated beverages.

FIGURE 5 shows a computer device 500 that can be used to control the operation of a beverage dispenser, according to one embodiment of the invention. The device 500 may include at least one network interface 502 for receiving and sending data traffic, a central processor 504 and a system memory 506. The interface 502 can be any type of network interface well known to those skilled in the art. The network interface 502 can be used to connect the device 500 to a network, such as the Internet 528, and various devices and servers, such as the server 530. The central processor 504 can be implemented with a variety of different central processing units. The structure of the system memory 506 is well known to those skilled in the art and may include a basic input / output system (BIOS) stored in a read-only memory (ROM) and one or more program modules, such as as operating systems, application programs and program data stored in a random access memory (RAM).

The device 500 may also include a card reader 508, such as a card reader radio frequency (RFID) identification for reading information stored in the RFOD tag 510 connected to a card 512. A recipe database 514 can be used to store a variety of beverage recipes. Some of the recipes can be personalized recipes created by users. A database 516 preferably can store preferences selected by the users. ' The device 500 can be configured to provide audio and / or video information while the beverage is dispensed. A 518 audio card can be included to drive a sound device, such as a speaker 520. A video card 522 can be included to drive a video display 524. Audio and video cards are conventional components and are widely available. The video display 524 can be implemented with a liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diode (LED) screen or any type of screen. In one embodiment, the display 524 is a touch screen and is connected to the front of the dispenser. The touch screen can be configured to receive the user's beverage selection.

The various components within the device 500 can be connected to a bus 526 of the system. Bus 526 of the system may be any of the various types of bus structures that include a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus and a local bus used in any of a variety of bus architectures.

In operation the device 500 can receive beverage selections on a touch screen and provide audio and / or video information to the user. For example, loudspeaker 520 can generate a sound that changes as a container is filled with a beverage. The sound may correspond to the filling state of the beverage and / or the type of beverage. The volume and rhythm of the sound may increase as the container becomes full. In one embodiment a bubbling sound is reproduced when carbonated beverages, such as cola, are selected. A bubbling sound can be reproduced when non-carbonated beverages, such as fruit juices, are selected.

The display 524 may display an image 532 that is updated to reflect the filling state of a vessel or other vessel. The image 532 may also show the beverage ingredients flowing in the container. The ingredients may have different colors or other appearances.

While the invention has been described in relation to the specific examples and the now preferred modes for carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations of the systems and methods described in the foregoing which may fall within the scope of the invention. spirit and scope of the invention. It will be further noted that certain aspects of the present invention can be described herein, although the invention is not limited to the embodiments described. The following claims demonstrate the breadth of the invention.

Claims (20)

1. A beverage distributor characterized in that it comprises: a user input device that receives selections of beverages from a user; a memory that includes sound files that correspond to beverages; Y a processor programmed with computer executable instructions to cause a sound device to reproduce a sound corresponding to a selected beverage with the user input device, while a beverage is dispensed.

2. The beverage dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that the user input device comprises a touch screen.

3. The beverage dispenser according to claim 1, further characterized in that it includes a display device and wherein the processor is programmed with the executable instructions by computer to cause the display device to visualize an image of a beverage while the beverage is distributed .

4. The beverage dispenser according to claim 3, characterized in that the image is updated to reflect the filling state of a container as the container is filled.

5. The beverage dispenser according to claim 3, characterized in that the processor is further programmed with the executable instructions by computer to cause the sound device to reproduce the sound that changes as the container moves.

6. The beverage dispenser according to claim 5, characterized in that the volume of the sound changes as the container is filled.

7. The beverage dispenser according to claim 6, characterized in that the volume of the sound increases as the container is filled.

8. The beverage dispenser according to claim 5, characterized in that the rhythm of the sound changes as the container is filled.

9. The beverage dispenser according to claim 8, characterized in that the sound rhythm increases as the container is filled.

10. The beverage dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that the beverage selected comprises a carbonated beverage and the sound corresponding to the selected beverage comprising the bubbling sound.

11. The beverage dispenser according to claim 10, characterized in that the carbonated beverage comprises a cola beverage.

12. The beverage dispenser according to claim 1, characterized in that the selected beverage comprises a non-carbonated beverage and the sound corresponds to the selected beverage comprising a sound without bubbling.

13. The beverage dispenser according to claim 12, characterized in that the non-carbonated beverage comprises a fruit juice.

14. The beverage dispenser according to claim 1, further characterized in that it includes a memory module that stores the beverage ingredient recipes and wherein the processor is programmed with the executable instructions by computer to cause the display to visualize at least some of the ingredients of a selected recipe while distributing a drink.

15. The beverage dispenser according to claim 1, further characterized in that it includes a radio frequency identification card reader.

16. The beverage dispenser according to claim 15, characterized in that the processor is programmed with computer executable instructions associated with a code read by the radio frequency identification card reader with a beverage recipe.

17. A beverage dispenser characterized in that it comprises: an input device that receives a selection of a user's beverage; Y a sound device that reproduces a sound that corresponds to the selected beverage while the selected beverage is distributed.

18. The beverage dispenser according to claim 17, characterized in that the selected beverage comprises a carbonated beverage and the sound corresponding to the selected beverage comprises a bubbling sound.

19. The beverage dispenser according to claim 18, characterized in that the carbonated beverage comprises a cola beverage.

20. The beverage dispenser according to claim 17, characterized in that the selected beverage comprises a non-carbonated beverage and the sound corresponding to the selected beverage comprises a sound without bubbling.